The Department of Tourism (DOT) is taking decisive steps to promote airfare transparency and strengthen consumer protection, addressing a major concern for local travelers. This initiative comes as lawmakers secure funding for critical upgrades to key provincial airports and celebrate the success of newly launched international and domestic routes.
Tackling High Airfares and Ensuring Fair Pricing
During recent plenary debates for the DOT's proposed 2026 budget, Senator Loren Legarda identified high domestic airfare as a significant deterrent to local travel. In response, the agency is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Competition Commission.
The collaboration is finalizing a code of conduct for online travel agencies. This measure aims to ensure fair pricing and transparency in airfares, aligning with the Internet Transactions Act. The move also supports ongoing PCC investigations into potential non-competitive practices within the airline industry.
To further empower travelers, the DOT and DOTr will launch a public information campaign. This initiative is designed to help the public access clearer fare information and identify the most cost-efficient travel options available.
Boosting Infrastructure: Major Airport Upgrades Announced
Alongside consumer protection measures, significant infrastructure investments are on the horizon. Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito reported that a substantial reallocation from flood control funds will be directed toward airport improvements in tourism-centric areas.
The identified airports for upgrades include Siargao, Mati, Legazpi, and Bohol, among others. The planned enhancements will focus on expanding passenger capacity, improving runways, and supporting increased flight frequency. Senator Ejercito emphasized that this airport modernization is crucial for opening new gateways for tourism and stimulating regional economic growth.
Expanding Connectivity: New Flight Routes Take Off
Senator Legarda also highlighted the positive outcomes from recent DOT-DOTr collaboration, pointing to a series of new international routes launched under Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s leadership.
These new international connections include flights by Air Canada from Vancouver; Philippine Airlines from Da Nang and Sapporo; United Airlines from San Francisco; Jetstar from Perth; Air India from New Delhi; and VietJet from Ho Chi Minh.
Domestic connectivity has also received a boost with new links such as Manila–Cauayan, Cebu–Catarman, and multiple daily flights from Clark to El Nido, Coron, Masbate, and Siargao. This expanded route network not only demonstrates strong inter-agency coordination but also provides more travel choices to counter high domestic airfares.
Following assurances from the DOT that these reforms are being actively pursued, Senator Erwin Tulfo, who had raised concerns about steep airfares, expressed his support for the agency's budget. The DOT’s budget, along with those of its attached agencies, was subsequently deemed submitted for plenary consideration.
